When the California Angels began shopping for a new manager to replace Doug Rader, two names at the top of their list were Buck Rodgers and Whitey Herzog. Both were respected baseball men, both were close friends of Angels owner Gene Autry, and both were available. Rodgers moved into the manager's office 13 days ago, and in a surprise announcement Friday, Herzog was appointed senior vice president and director of player personnel. "I can assure you that I`m not here to be the...

Mike Port, Red Sox vice president of baseball operations, was in serious condition Monday after having a heart attack during the weekend. Port, 58, was shopping on Saturday when he felt ill, the team said. The longtime baseball executive was being treated at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, hospital spokesman Martin Querzoli said. Port served as Boston's interim general manager during the 2002 season after the team's new owners fired Dan Duquette. Port assumed his current position after...

Mike Port, Red Sox vice president of baseball operations, was in serious condition Monday after having a heart attack during the weekend. Port, 58, was shopping on Saturday when he felt ill, the team said. The longtime baseball executive was being treated at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, hospital spokesman Martin Querzoli said. Port served as Boston's interim general manager during the 2002 season after the team's new owners fired Dan Duquette. Port assumed his current position after...

When the California Angels began shopping for a new manager to replace Doug Rader, two names at the top of their list were Buck Rodgers and Whitey Herzog. Both were respected baseball men, both were close friends of Angels owner Gene Autry, and both were available. Rodgers moved into the manager's office 13 days ago, and in a surprise announcement Friday, Herzog was appointed senior vice president and director of player personnel. "I can assure you that I`m not here to be the...

-- More than 20 years ago, when Gene Mauch managed the Phillies, he says he learned that "I like to have guys who have been there." Meaning veterans, especially pitchers, who have demonstrated they know how to win. That's still Mauch's preference, and one reason his California Angels look as if they`re climbing back into the race for the American League West title they won a year ago. Jerry Reuss, 38, and Greg Minton, 35, a couple of castoffs...

-- More than 20 years ago, when Gene Mauch managed the Phillies, he says he learned that "I like to have guys who have been there." Meaning veterans, especially pitchers, who have demonstrated they know how to win. That's still Mauch's preference, and one reason his California Angels look as if they`re climbing back into the race for the American League West title they won a year ago. Jerry Reuss, 38, and Greg Minton, 35, a couple of castoffs...

California Angels` infielder Bobby Grich made it official after Wednesday night's 8-1 loss to Boston. "That was my last game in a baseball uniform," said Grich. "I hate to go out this way. It's a bitter ending to an outstanding career." Grich, 37, who began his big-league career in 1970 with Baltimore, said he had reached his decision in August. Angels` manager Gene Mauch, unaware of Grich's intentions, sent up a pinch hitter for him in the ninth, but Grich was not upset.

Players are traded for each other and, if the younger set wants to believe it or not, there once was a midsummer swap of big-league managers, Jimmie Dykes for Joe Gordon. So why not complete the cycle and trade scouts? Which is what the White Sox and California Angels are about to do. How does this one hit you? Bob Fontaine Jr., who had been working the West Coast, from the Sox to the Angels for Al Goldis, an East Coast supervisor. So far as can be determined, this is the complete...

Players are traded for each other and, if the younger set wants to believe it or not, there once was a midsummer swap of big-league managers, Jimmie Dykes for Joe Gordon. So why not complete the cycle and trade scouts? Which is what the White Sox and California Angels are about to do. How does this one hit you? Bob Fontaine Jr., who had been working the West Coast, from the Sox to the Angels for Al Goldis, an East Coast supervisor. So far as can be determined, this is the complete...

California Angels` infielder Bobby Grich made it official after Wednesday night's 8-1 loss to Boston. "That was my last game in a baseball uniform," said Grich. "I hate to go out this way. It's a bitter ending to an outstanding career." Grich, 37, who began his big-league career in 1970 with Baltimore, said he had reached his decision in August. Angels` manager Gene Mauch, unaware of Grich's intentions, sent up a pinch hitter for him in the ninth, but Grich was not upset.

Darryl Motley didn`t have a great 1985 season, but there was at least one memorable moment. Motley, who shared right field with Pat Sheridan, launched a titantic two-run homer in the final game of the World Series to start the Royals on their way to an 11-0 victory over St. Louis. His power could fill the club's biggest need, a legitimate run-producing threat in the lineup behind George Brett. Determined to get the new year off to a good start, Motley showed up in camp at his own expense last week with...

Darryl Motley didn`t have a great 1985 season, but there was at least one memorable moment. Motley, who shared right field with Pat Sheridan, launched a titantic two-run homer in the final game of the World Series to start the Royals on their way to an 11-0 victory over St. Louis. His power could fill the club's biggest need, a legitimate run-producing threat in the lineup behind George Brett. Determined to get the new year off to a good start, Motley showed up in camp at his own expense last week with...

An Eastern source, usually reliable, reports that the Angels and the Yankees are in the preliminary discussion stages of a straight-up Reggie Jackson for Don Baylor trade. Mike Port, the Angels` general manager who is still young enough that he tells the whole truth and nothing but the truth, insists there is nothing to it. But when asked if he would make the deal if proposed, Port said: "I`d have to think it through. There would be a lot of ramifications. It's difficult to answer yes or no."

An Eastern source, usually reliable, reports that the Angels and the Yankees are in the preliminary discussion stages of a straight-up Reggie Jackson for Don Baylor trade. Mike Port, the Angels` general manager who is still young enough that he tells the whole truth and nothing but the truth, insists there is nothing to it. But when asked if he would make the deal if proposed, Port said: "I`d have to think it through. There would be a lot of ramifications. It's difficult to answer yes or no."

Third baseman Gary Gaetti reported to spring training with his new team one day earlier than required-in violation of baseball rules-and participated in drills Tuesday. Only pitchers, catchers and players in rehabilitation from injuries were permitted to work out before Wednesday. "The intent of the rule is so that teams wouldn`t start spring training the day after Halloween," Angels General Manager Mike Port said. "I don`t think Gary is really violating the spirit of the rule, and we certainly don`t want...